White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently emphasized that President Donald Trump is open to negotiating tariff deals with various countries, stating, "All options are on the table for each country." During a press briefing, Leavitt warned countries that retaliate against U.S. tariffs that Trump "has a spine of steel and he will not break."
Leavitt noted that since Trump’s recent tariff announcements, which she referred to as "Liberation Day," around 70 countries have reached out to the administration to start negotiations. She pointed out that countries like China, which have chosen to retaliate with their own tariffs, are making a mistake. Leavitt specifically mentioned the 34% retaliatory tariffs that China recently imposed on U.S. imports.
The press secretary highlighted that Trump is focused on securing deals that benefit American workers and manufacturing while addressing significant trade deficits with other nations. She stated that the deals would be customized rather than generic, as Trump wants to ensure they truly serve American interests.
Leavitt expressed that many countries are eager to reform their trade practices and open their markets to U.S. goods. She explained that these nations recognize the power of the American market and the need to change their past practices that favored their own industries at the expense of American businesses.
She concluded by reinforcing Trump’s message to the world: he is willing to listen to the best offers from other countries, but any agreements must prioritize American workers and tackle the country’s trade deficits. Leavitt asserted that the U.S. holds significant leverage in these discussions, as other nations depend on access to the American market.